Bail denied to scribe Abhijit Iyer Mitra for Konark Temple remarks

The Supreme Court on Thursday denied bail to journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra who is facing charges of making derogatory remarks on the Konark Sun Temple. Denying bail to Mitra who termed the sculpture at Konark Sun Temple as “vulgar”, the SC bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi sent out a loud message that nobody in this country can take liberties with religious sentiments. Mitra allegedly made derogatory remarks against Lord Jagannath following his visit to the temple on September 16.

In his petition, Mitra claimed that what he intended was satire and did not intend to hurt religious sentiments. In a video, he described the Sun Temple to be “humple” referring to sculptures showing acts of sex being performed by men, women and animals. He further claimed that such works of art were against the traditions of Hindu community.

The bench also comprising Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said, “How are you entitled to bail? You are inciting religious feelings of people of this country. The best place for you is jail.”

Mitra faces a complaint where he is accused of hurting religious sentiments, outraging religious feelings of citizens and various provisions under the Information Technology Act. The punishment extends to three years in prison.

A privilege motion has also been moved in the Assembly where Mitra has been asked to explain his statements.

They Said It

A Supreme Court bench said nobody can take liberties with religious sentiments, and told Abhijit Iyer Mitra that he incited religious feelings of people, and so isn’t entitled to bail.